Arvada water rates increasing next year

A proposed increase in water and wastewater rates for 2014 will be presented to the Arvada City Council in a public hearing on Monday, Oct. 21.

The rate increase, which will affect current water, wastewater and water tap rates, will go before the city council mid-November, and should it be approved, will go into effect Jan. 1, 2014.

According to Jim Sullivan, the director of utilities for Arvada, this is a general, annual increase.

˝The rates change every year, so that there isn’t a sudden jump, by doing small increases, we are allowing for the increase to be incorporated into budgets,” he said.

When the new year begins, Arvada’s water rates will rise around 4 percent adding an additional $1 a month or $12 an year to residents’ water bills. Wastewater rates will also rise around 4 percent, which will increase bills 90 cents a month or $10.80 a year.

Beginning in November, notices will be sent with monthly water bills detailing the reasons for the increase.

The increase comes as a result to increases in raw water by Denver Water and increased service charges by the Metro District. The funds will go towards the water system and the costs associated such as repair materials and maintenance.

“This is an operational increase, so we can maintain a good system and quality project,” Sullivan said.

Compared to neighboring cities, Arvada has one of the lowest water rates, and is projected to stay low despite a possible increase in 2015.

The public hearing will be held Monday, Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 8101 Ralston Road, Arvada.